John Brown Russwurm, born May 9, 1800, in Jamaica, became one of the first African American college graduates in the United States and a co-founder of Freedom’s Journal, the first African American-owned and operated newspaper. Russwurm used journalism to challenge racist narratives in mainstream media. Later, he emigrated to Liberia where he served as governor of Maryland-in-Africa, an African American colony. His life bridged African, Caribbean, and American history, symbolizing early Pan-African aspirations for self-governance and dignity. His work laid foundations for the Black press worldwide.
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